What is modest? Pronunciation and usage in English

modest means . Learn how to pronounce and use modest through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of modest

modestadjective

/ˈmɒdɪst/
Definition & pronunciation of modest

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "modest" in English. Here's a breakdown and some tips:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • mo-: This part sounds like "mo" as in "more" or "mother."
  • -dest: This is where it gets a little trickier. It's pronounced with a subtle "d" sound, but it's not a hard, sharp "d." It's more like a very quick, almost silent "th" sound.

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word sounds roughly like: "mo-dest" (with that quick, almost silent "th" at the end of "dest").

3. More Detailed Breakdown & Tips:

  • "mo": Say it clearly and distinctly.
  • "dest": This is the key. Think of it as "des-th". The "th" sound is very brief – almost like you're blurring it into the "est." It's not like the "th" in "think" or "this". It’s a very quick, soft, 'th' sound.
  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: “mo-dest”.

4. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Hard "d" sound: Don't say "mod-d-est." That's incorrect.
  • Dragging out the "th": The "th" sound needs to be very brief and almost unnoticeable. It's blending into the "est".

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you another example word with a similar sound?

Usage and examples with the word modest in English

Let's break down how to use the word "modest" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different shades of meaning. Here's a breakdown of its uses, with examples:

1. Humble and Unassuming (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent way "modest" is used. It describes someone who doesn't brag about their accomplishments, possessions, or abilities. They're humble and don't draw attention to themselves.
  • Examples:
    • "She was a modest hero, downplaying her bravery during the rescue." (She didn't boast about being brave.)
    • "He's a modest man, he wouldn't expect a reward for his hard work." (He's humble and doesn't seek recognition.)
    • "Despite her success, she remained remarkably modest." (She didn't let her achievements go to her head.)

2. Not Lavish or Extravagant (Referring to Things)

  • Meaning: Used to describe something that isn't luxurious or extravagant – often in terms of appearance, style, or cost.
  • Examples:
    • "They bought a modest house in the countryside." (It wasn't a huge mansion, but a comfortable home.)
    • "She wore a modest dress, avoiding anything too revealing." (It wasn't flashy or attention-grabbing.)
    • "The restaurant offered modest prices." (The prices weren't high or expensive.)

3. Limited or Small (Quantity)

  • Meaning: Describing an amount that's small or not excessive.
  • Examples:
    • "He made a modest donation to the charity." (It wasn’t a huge sum, but a helpful contribution.)
    • "They requested a modest increase in their budget." (They weren’t asking for a large amount.)

4. (Less Common) Reserved or Restrained

  • Meaning: This is a more subtle usage. It can describe someone who is quiet and doesn’t show strong emotions.
  • Example: “She had a modest demeanor, rarely speaking unless spoken to.” (She was reserved and didn’t outwardly express herself.)

Key Considerations & Synonyms:

  • Contrast with “vaunting” or “boastful”: "Modest" is often used against words like "vaunting" (full of self-importance) or "boastful" (proud and bragging).
  • Synonyms: Humble, unassuming, reserved, restrained, simple, unpretentious, low-key.

Here’s a quick table to summarize:

Use Case Meaning Example
Personality Humble, not boastful “He was a modest athlete.”
Appearance/Possessions Not lavish, simple “They lived in a modest apartment.”
Quantity Small, limited “He made a modest profit.”
Demeanor Reserved, quiet “She had a modest response.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "modest" in a sentence about? (e.g., a person, a house, an amount of money, etc.)

Synonyms for the word modest

Practice with vocabulary modest

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite winning the prestigious award, the scientist remained incredibly ________, attributing his success to his team's collaborative efforts.
  2. Her ________ career goals included becoming CEO of a multinational corporation before the age of forty.
  3. The startup began with a ________ budget, operating out of a small shared office space for its first year.
  4. The consultant advised the firm to set ________ targets for sales growth in the current challenging economic climate.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words can describe someone who does not boast about their achievements and tends to downplay their successes? A) Arrogant B) Haughty C) Modest D) Pompous E) Humble

  2. Which adjectives best describe a person's initial salary that is not very high but offers reasonable compensation and potential for growth? A) Generous B) Extravagant C) Modest D) Substantial E) Entry-level

  3. Select the words that describe someone who is quiet and thoughtful, often keeping their opinions to themselves in group discussions. A) Boisterous B) Extroverted C) Reserved D) Gregarious E) Introverted

  4. A company with ________ expectations for its first quarter might anticipate slow but steady growth, rather than rapid expansion. A) Exaggerated B) Realistic C) Unreasonable D) Modest E) Grandiose

  5. Which terms suggest an amount or quantity that is neither too much nor too little, but rather sufficient and balanced? A) Excessive B) Insufficient C) Moderate D) Adequate E) Abundant

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She never showed off her impressive accomplishments, always preferring to keep a low profile. (Rewrite using a form of "modest")

  2. The initial investment required for the project was quite small, allowing more flexibility in later stages. (Rewrite using "modest")

  3. It's crucial to be respectful and polite when interacting with clients, especially during conflict resolution. (Rewrite without using "modest" or its forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. modest
  2. ambitious
  3. modest
  4. realistic

Exercise 2:

  1. C) Modest, E) Humble
  2. C) Modest, E) Entry-level
  3. C) Reserved, E) Introverted
  4. B) Realistic, D) Modest
  5. C) Moderate, D) Adequate

Exercise 3:

  1. She maintained a modest profile regarding her impressive accomplishments, always preferring to keep a low profile. (Alternative: She always modestly preferred to keep a low profile despite her impressive accomplishments.)
  2. The modest initial investment required for the project allowed more flexibility in later stages.
  3. It's crucial to be courteous and polite when interacting with clients, especially during conflict resolution.

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